Collective
name for lipids that form a great portion of the skin sebum. They possess
skin recovering and skin protecting qualities.

highly recommendable

Carbomer

A synthetic gel former, neutral well tolerated by the
skin. An auxiliary substance used for specific (demanding) gel preparations.
It shows better stabilizing properties than
natural gel formulators. Allegations of possible residues have subsequently
been found to be groundless.

recommendable

Carica Papaya

Papaya extract, benefit for beauty care products
controversial

not recommendable

Carnaubawax

Herbal wax, extracted from the leaves of the carnauba
palm, thickening agent with skin nurturing property

Important
elements of the intercellular substance in the horny layer and together with
cholesterol, lipids acids en lecithin (phospholipids) of essential interest
for the good functioning of the barrier function
of the skin.

Ceratonia Siliqua

Natural gel former, rarely used in cosmetics, often used
as thickener in pills

Cholesterol,
natural emulsifier with refatting property, present in the sebum of the human
body and in some natural oils (sheabutter). An important
element of the cell membranes and the intercellular substance of the skin.
Together with ceramids and lecithin it is an important element of the
protecting skin layer and of essential interest for a unimpaired barrier
function of the skin. Also present in the skin sebum.

highly recommendable

Cholesterol

Cholesterin,
natural emulsifier with refatting property, present in the sebum of the human
body and in some natural oils (sheabutter). An important
element of the cell membranes and the intercellular substance of the skin.
Together with ceramids and lecithin it is an important element of the
protecting skin layer and of essential interest for a unimpaired barrier
function of the skin. Also present in the skin sebum.

Cocamide-Diethanolamide, herbal gel former in surfactant
mixtures. Danger of nitrosamines does not exist if processed according to the
latest procedures

limited recommendability

Cocamide MEA

Cocamide-Monoethanolamide, herbal gel former in
surfactant mixtures. Danger of nitrosamines does not exist if processed
according to the latest procedures

not recommendable

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Surfactant of herbal origin in gels, foams, shampoos etc.
Used to be well tolerated by the skin, but increasing number of allergic
reactions. Declared allergic substance of the year
by an international committee of dermatologists.

not recommendable

Cocoglycerides

Coconut oil as oily component in cosmetic preparations

recommendable

Cocos Nucifera

Coconut
butter, extracted from the seeds of the coconut palm

recommendable

Coffein

Agent,
benefit for beauty care products highly controversial

not recommendable

Cola Acuminata

Cola
tree extract, benefit for beauty care products controversial

not recommendable

Collagen

Agent
made of residues from the slaughterhouse, cruelty to animals through
intensive farming, cannot penetrate the skin (other than such a claim by some producers might suggest) no anti-wrinkle
property, possible BSE risk